DHS proposes biometrics expansion for immigrants, dropping age restrictions and requiring biometrics from some US citizens

The Department of Homeland Security is looking to ratchet up its collection of biometrics in the immigration system. 

Under a rule proposed Monday, the department would set up a biometric identity system to track people throughout the immigration lifecycle. The new regulation would expand who DHS can require biometrics from — including U.S. citizens as well as children — and what types of biometrics it can collect.

Specifically, it centers on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which already collects some biometrics — like a face photo or fingerprint — when people apply for certain immigration benefits, like temporary resident status. 

Now, DHS wants to set up a system to require biometrics from any person filing for an immigration benefit, as well as people “associated” with the application, a category DHS says could include U.S. citizens.

The proposed rule eliminates previous age restrictions so that DHS can collect biometric data from children ...